Key facts
- Methanol-to-jet (MTJ) fuel is nearing full approval for use in commercial aircraft.
- The MTJ pathway has passed key stages of the approval process by ASTM International.
- Honeywell's MTJ pathway was recently approved by ASTM's committee.
- The approval is expected to broaden SAF supply beyond waste oils and fats.
- The pathway will be available to all producers operating within the approved specification.
- Remaining approval steps are expected to be completed at ASTM meetings in Chicago next week.
Methanol-to-jet (MTJ) fuel is on the verge of full approval for commercial aircraft, which could significantly expand the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from renewable methanol. The MTJ pathway has successfully navigated the crucial stages of the approval process overseen by ASTM International, the industry standard-setting body for aviation fuels. Industry insiders anticipate that the final administrative steps will be concluded within the next few weeks.
Honeywell, a US-based technology provider, confirmed this week that its MTJ pathway had received committee approval. This development is poised to unlock SAF production from various feedstocks, including biomethanol and e-methanol, thereby diversifying supply sources beyond the waste oils and fats currently dominating SAF production.
While Honeywell's technology and fuel samples were instrumental in the qualification process, the MTJ pathway, once officially adopted into ASTM's D7566 aviation fuel standard, will be accessible to all producers adhering to the approved specifications. Participants in the process indicated that the pathway has passed balloting within ASTM, with only minor comments remaining to be addressed. These final steps are expected to be resolved at ASTM meetings scheduled for next week in Chicago.